More than 20, comprising six families and three single men have been transported to Nauru after being seized and handcuffed around 4am Saturday 18 April from Darwin’s Wickham Point detention centre.
Among the families are three with new babies – two Iranian families with a three month old baby and a Nepalese family, whose baby is also three months old.
There were distressing scenes in, and out of, detention on Nauru as news of the returns spread.
Asylum seekers and refugees are concerned for the welfare of the babies who will be expected to survive in the same tents as their families, in the heat, humidity and water shortages of detention centre.
“The transfer of the families breaks an understanding brokered with the Immigration department, after protests on Thursday night that no families would be transferred to Darwin this week,” said Ian Rintoul, spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition.
“The AMA already regard the mandatory detention of children as child abuse. Given the appalling conditions on Nauru and the recently confirmed reports of sexual and physical assaults on women and children on Nauru, Peter Dutton is twice guilty.”
Attached photo is from refugee protest on nauru on Friday 17 April, at which Cambodia and the safety of women and children were key issues.
“Close Nauru” is a central demand of Sydney’s Welcome Refugee rally to be held tomorrow when thousands are expected to rally and march – full details below.
“The three babies returned are three more reasons to protest for an end to offshore processing,” Rintoul said.
For more information contact Ian Rintoul 0417 275 713
